COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with defenseman Marc Methot, Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Scott Howson announced July 5. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Methot, 26, has registered six goals and 38 assists for 44 points with 184 penalty minutes and a cumulative plus/minus rating of +5 in 229 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets. Last season, he tallied 0-15-15, 58 penalty minutes and was +2 in 74 games, setting career highs in assists, penalty minutes, games played and time on ice average (19:53). He ranked second on the club with 176 hits and was third with 98 blocked shots. He also made his debut with Team Canada at the 2011 World Championships following the season, collecting two penalty minutes and a +2 plus/minus rating in seven games.

"We are very happy to have re-signed Marc as we think he is just beginning to reach his full potential as a National Hockey League defenseman," said Howson. "He has worked very hard to improve each season and we believe he will continue to be a key contributor on our blueline."

Columbus' seventh pick, 168th overall, in the 2003 Entry Draft, Methot made his NHL debut during the 2006-07 campaign, picking up 0-4-4 and 12 penalty minutes in 20 games. After spending most of the 2007-08 season with the American Hockey League's Syracuse Crunch, he tallied a career-high 4-13-17, 55 penalty minutes and was +7 in 66 games with the Blue Jackets in 2008-09. He made his pro debut in 2005-06 with Syracuse and in 195 career AHL games, registered 10-32-42, 263 penalty minutes and was +27. In 195 career games with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, Methot recorded 8-34-42, 200 penalty minutes and was +91 from 2002-05.

Full and partial season ticket plans for the Blue Jackets’ 2011-12 season are on sale now starting at less than $15 per game. Plan holders receive significant savings versus single game prices, exclusive access to events with players and coaches and more. Flexible payment plan options are available. For more information, call (800) NHL-COLS or visit BlueJackets.com.